Emergency officials met with the people forced from their homes by the fire at The Bristol apartments, the day after. Some were told to find new places to live.
(JULIE WHITTET / iNFOnews.ca)
July 19, 2013 - 12:02 PM
KELOWNA - The Kelowna Fire Department says all residents of the Bristol Apartments on Franklin Road will have to vacate for an indefinite amount of time even though only a portion of the building was damaged by fire July 13.
The owner of the building contacted most residents yesterday and plans to allow residents into the building to retrieve contents as soon as it's safe to do so. In the meantime, a resiliancy centre has been put in place with the help of the Red Cross, Salvation Army and community volunteers. It's located at the Salvation Army Church at 1480 Sutherland Avenue, and will be open today until 7 p.m., Saturday from 9 to 11 a.m. and Monday, from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m.
Residents with unmet needs and those who require special assistance with no other options are encouraged to seek out the assistance of the Canadian Red Cross at the resiliancy centre. Other support may be available through the Ministry of Social Development local office or B.C. Housing.
Today, the Salvation Army is also offering assistance to displaced residents in the form of clothing and household goods that have been donated. These items are also available at the resiliency centre.
Anyone who wants to help by donating funds or assisting residents of both the Franklin Road fire and the Legacy Apartments fire are encouraged to contact the local Canadian Red Cross. When calling, refer to the Kelowna Apartment Fires fund.
The Kelowna Fire Department would also like to issue a special appeal to landlords, urging any with available rental units to contact the local Canadian Red Cross office. The Red Cross will be assisting by matching available units with residents requiring accomodation.
The Canadian Red Cross phone number is 250-491-8443.
Residents watch, some in pajamas, as firefighters battle the blaze at 445 Franklin Road.
(SHELLEY JORDAN / iNFOnews.ca)
News from © iNFOnews, 2013